The 28 best snow tire brands
Michelin, Nexen and Bridgestone lead our ranking of 28 snow tire brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Snow Tire brands, ranked
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1
Michelin
Via Michelin is a media company that offers route and distance calculations between towns, addresses, and points of interest for different modes of transport. With real-time traffic information, ViaMichelin ensures that you are ready for your trips, and it provides information on traffic jams, traffic accidents, roadworks, etc. Everything is calculated according to the conditions of the roads and weather details and then presented to you to plan accordingly.
Website: viamichelin.com |Brands like Michelin
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Nexen
Wherever you go, wherever you are, you need the best tires to cruise every terrain you encounter; Nexen Tire avails the best car tires that help you reach the extremes of the earth at great affordability and range. Choose from your car’s model, style, and origin to get the best-suited tires that make your ride buttery smooth.
Website: nexentireusa.com |Brands like Nexen
Popularity 9.0/10
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3
Bridgestone
Bridgestone is a well-known tire and rubber manufacturer. Superior performance tires for automobiles, trucks, motorbikes, and bicycles; massive truck tires; natural rubber goods; synthetic rubber; and technology materials with excellent quality applications are all part of the company's product portfolio. Bridgestone's success has been built on a concept of combining innovation with product performance over the years. They strive to meet their clients' demands by offering outstanding products and services and inventing new items that exceed their expectations.
Website: bridgestone.com |Brands like Bridgestone
Popularity 7.2/10
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4
Pirelli
Originating in 1872, Pirelli started in Milan. They aimed to produce items made from elastic rubber. They upgraded to building rubber-band for carriages and manufacturing their first tire in 1894 and have been evolving and innovating ever since. They pursue their growth without keeping the environment at stake. Their management is sustainable and certified. They try their best to balance technology and the expectations of all.
Website: pirelli.com |Brands like Pirelli
Popularity 6.8/10
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5
Riken
Riken is a production company that produces and manufactures efficient and reliable tires for motor vehicles like trucks, cars, and buses. Providing assured European quality ties, the brand promises commodities at affordable prices created with advanced European technology. Prevalent since 1917, the company offers a range of services from vehicle checks to storage and maintenance facilities. The modern European company ensures safety, comfort, and efficiency with its collection of tires.
Website: riken.com |Brands like Riken
Popularity 5.8/10
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6
Uniroyal
Whether you’re going to travel an easy path or a rough one, you need a tire that works well in every condition, and this reliability is on the products of Uniroyal. For vehicles and minican, affordable and long-lasting products are available that run in all seasons, followed by SUVs and pickups for keeping drivers comfortable. If you are still confused about the tire choices, then the choosing right option page will let you know everything.
Website: uniroyaltires.com |Brands like Uniroyal
Popularity 5.1/10
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7
General Tire
Delivering tires of a distinct identity, General Tire has been manufacturing tires for over a century. Their tires integrate style, performance, reliability, and durability. Their tires prepare you for all kinds of paths you might have to go through on your journey. This way, they let people experience the thrill of living. They accept and promote that one should receive more from own tires. They provide just all that you might never know you deserved.
Website: generaltire.com |Brands like General Tire
Popularity 4.6/10
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8
Cooper
A family-run business, Cooper Street Cookies, produces delectable baked goods for the health-conscious consumer. Their cookies don't have dairy, gluten, or eggs because they solely use vegan ingredients. They are determined to create outcomes that are delicious and healthy. Cooper Street Cookies make an effort to offer only all-natural cookies and treats without compromising on flavor. Its objective is to provide affordable healthy cookie alternatives while keeping the quality of its offerings.
Website: cooperstreet.com |Brands like Cooper
Popularity 4.3/10
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9
Dunlop
A journey to our favorite place is something that we all crave. We should also be well prepared before we start the journey. The tires are one of the most important parts that should be checked regularly checked beforehand. That...
Website: dunloptires.com |Brands like Dunlop
Popularity 4.2/10
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10
Nokian
Nokian tires are made to let you drive in some of the most problematic situations while keeping you comfortable inside. After rigorous research and development, these tires are made to ensure the customers get only the best. All the Nokian...
Website: nokiantires.com |Brands like Nokian
Popularity 4.2/10
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11
Vredestein
Vredestein is Europe’s first-class tire manufacturer. refined over a century of craftsmanship to give you the ultimate driving experience. The company’s vision is always to keep evolving with time to set global standards. Vredestein is always coming up with sustainable...
Website: vredestein.co.uk |Brands like Vredestein
Popularity 4.0/10
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12
Goodyear
Goodyear is a renowned manufacturer of quality tyres for trucks, automobiles, SUVs, and vehicles worldwide. They also make commercial and military aircraft goods and mobile industrial equipment for mining, construction, and agriculture. The objective of Goodyear is to dominate the...
Website: goodyear.com |Brands like Goodyear
Popularity 3.6/10
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13
Laufenn
Laufenn is a brand that manufactures tires for passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks. These tires are of premium quality and extremely high performance. They have a simple and constructive layout and are perfect for everyday use. Laufenn tires can...
Website: laufenn.com |Brands like Laufenn
Popularity 3.6/10
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14
Firestone
Firestone Tires is a tire manufacturing company that has been, for years, producing tires of all shapes and sizes and is well-known for their quality of performance. The company was founded in 1900 to provide best-in-class products and services to...
Website: firestonetire.com |Brands like Firestone
Popularity 2.8/10
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15
Hankook
Hankook Tire is a multinational company that manufactures tires with exceptional tire technology and mobility service. They are the top-ranked tire makers worldwide. Hankook Tire develops new products that add value to consumers' lives through its diverse line of passenger...
Website: hankooktire.com |Brands like Hankook
Popularity 2.5/10
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16
TOYO
As the name suggests, Toyo Tires is a company that manufactures tires of all kinds. The USA corporation offers a wide range of replacement tires for almost all types of models, including light trucks, SUVs, high-performance cars, luxury vehicles, and...
Website: toyotires.com |Brands like TOYO
Popularity 2.1/10
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17
MasterCraft
MasterCraft manufactures boats with great care, employing cutting-edge technology and water-resistant materials. The bow down is one of their best-selling products because it produces the most incredible surf waves and wakeboard wakes. Premium seating in the wide bow and cabin...
Website: mastercraft.com |Brands like MasterCraft
Popularity 1.9/10
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18
Yokohama
Founded in 1917, Yokahama is a Japanese tire manufacturing company recognized for its quality, design, and other services. It aims to offer products that suit the need of various markets and are also environmentally friendly and sustainable. They are a...
Website: yokohamatire.com |Brands like Yokohama
Popularity 1.9/10
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19
Falken
Vehicles are selling more day by day. The critical part of all the vehicles is the tires. Without them, there is no work for the car. Their changing is also required time by time. Falken Tire is a company that...
Website: falken.tires |Brands like Falken
Popularity 1.6/10
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20
Continental Tires
Continental Tires manufactures different types of tires, from passenger and crossover tires to light truck SUV tires that provide the best-ever performance in all terrains. On every tire you purchase, you will get a Total confidence plan, mileage warranty, road...
Website: continentaltire.com |Brands like Continental Tires
Popularity 1.6/10
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21
Dean
Dean is Cleveland's top restaurant supply store. They have a large assortment of commercial kitchen equipment for professionals and home chefs. They also provide a wide selection of perfect culinary materials, such as spices, dinnerware, and even food products like...
Website: shopatdean.com |Brands like Dean
Popularity 0.9/10
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22
Triangle
The Triangle Group is a well-established brand that manufactures tires for different requirements like vehicles and construction equipment. The company based in China established Triangle Tire USA in 2016 to expand the business to the American market. Since then, the...
Website: triangletireus.com |Brands like Triangle
Popularity 0.9/10
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23
Nankang
Performance is the second name of Nankang tires. The brand brings you the best in quality tiers and promises high performance. Nankang tires are made keeping in mind today’s driving conditions, and they will help you drive in challenging situations....
Website: nankangusa.com |Brands like Nankang
Popularity 0.9/10
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24
BFGoodrich
BFGoodrich Tires is designed to help you quickly select excellent car tires. Browse their vast tire collection, get professional tire comparison guidance, and have your new tires delivered directly to a Service Provider near you, all at pricing cheaper than...
Website: bfgoodrichtires.com |Brands like BFGoodrich
Popularity 0.9/10
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25
Milestar
Milestar Tires commenced in 1972 focuses on covering extended requirement of the tire-changing market. They work on achieving this through a mix of Passenger, High Performance, Ultra-High Performance, Light Truck, and Commercial Medium Radial Truck application product lines for a...
Website: milestartires.com |Brands like Milestar
Popularity 0.9/10
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26
Roadstone
Go to ride and explore the uncharted adventurous area with the safest tires provided by Roadstone. That's a website where the tries have all functions like absorbing and reducing shock efficiency and changing and maintaining the direction with an efficient...
Website: roadstonetires.com |Brands like Roadstone
Popularity 0.9/10
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27
Achilles
Wouldn't it be nice to have a tactical advantage for any situation the world may throw at you? Your spirit animal is Achilles if the answer is yes. In terms of appearance and durability, this brand's tires are superior to...
Website: achillestiresusa.com |Brands like Achilles
Popularity 0.9/10
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28
Atturo
Atturo is a tire manufacturer that creates and sells aggressively styled tires that fulfill your demands both on and off the road. They have more than 80 years of tire production and innovation experience. Back in 2009, it began producing...
Website: atturo.com |Brands like Atturo
Popularity 0.9/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin | viamichelin.com | /MichelinVoyage | – | – | MICHELIN Guide |
| Nexen | nexentireusa.com | /NEXENTIREUSA | nexentireusa | @nexentireusa | Nexen Tire USA |
| Bridgestone | bridgestone.com | – | – | – | – |
| Pirelli | pirelli.com | /Pirelli | pirelli | @pirelli | pirelli |
| Riken | riken.com | – | – | – | – |
| Uniroyal | uniroyaltires.com | /uniroyaltire | uniroyaltires | @uniroyaltires | uniroyaltires |
| General Tire | generaltire.com | /generaltire | general_tire | @GeneralTire | teamgeneraltire |
| Cooper | cooperstreet.com | /cooperstreet.cookies | cooperstreetcookies | @CooperStCookies | – |
| Dunlop | dunloptires.com | – | – | – | – |
| Nokian | nokiantires.com | /NokianTyresNA | NokianTyresNA | @NokianTyresNA | – |
Snow Tires Buying Guide
As the winter season approaches, it is essential to ensure that your vehicle is prepared for the harsh weather conditions. One of the critical aspects of winterizing your car is installing snow tires. Choosing the right snow tires can make all the difference when driving on snow, ice, slush, or wet roads. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect snow tire for your vehicle. Therefore, in this snow tires buying guide, we will provide all the information you need to make an informed decision.
What are Snow Tires?
Snow tires, also known as winter tires, are tires specifically designed for use in snow and icy conditions. Unlike conventional all-season tires, which are optimized for dry and wet conditions, snow tires are engineered to deliver better traction on snow and ice, thanks to their advanced tread patterns and rubber compounds. Most snow tires feature deeper and more aggressive tread patterns that help the tire grip the snow and create more biting edges, increasing traction and stability. Additionally, snow tires come with a softer rubber compound that remains pliable in cold temperatures, allowing it to conform to the road surface for maximum grip.
Do You Need Snow Tires?
If you live in an area that experiences harsh winter weather conditions, investing in a set of snow tires could be a lifesaver. Snow tires perform significantly better than all-season tires in snowy or icy conditions, reducing skid and slide accidents. They also provide improved traction, braking and acceleration, ensuring safer driving on all winter roads. So, if you live in a region with temperatures below 44 degrees Fahrenheit or an area with frequent snow and ice, snow tires are a critical investment for your safety.
Choosing the Right Snow Tires
With so many snow tire options available, selecting the perfect set for your vehicle can seem daunting. However, understanding the critical factors to consider when choosing snow tires can make your decision-making process much easier.
Tire Size
The tire size is a crucial factor to consider when choosing snow tires. You must ensure that the snow tires you select are compatible with your vehicle's recommended tire size. Using a different sized tire can affect the speedometer, cause handling problems, and potentially damage the vehicle's suspension system. You can find the correct tire size in your vehicle's owner's manual or on the tire placard located on the driver’s doorjamb.
Tire Type
There are two primary types of snow tires - studded and studless snow tires. The type of tire that you choose will depend on your specific driving needs.
Studded Snow Tires
Studded snow tires are winter tires with metal studs that provide enhanced traction on icy roads. The metal studs help grip into the ice, providing better traction and preventing skidding. However, most states and municipalities have laws restricting the use of studded tires. Therefore, it’s essential to check your local regulations before investing in studded snow tires.
Studless Snow Tires
Studless snow tires are the most common type of snow tires. They use advanced tire tread and rubber technology to provide better traction and grip on snow and ice. Unlike studded tires, they use deep treads to channel snow and slush, while the rubber compounds remain flexible in cold weather, improving grip on slippery roads. Additionally, studless tires provide better handling and cornering than studded tires.
Tread Pattern and Depth
The tread pattern and depth are critical factors when choosing snow tires. A deeper tread depth allows better grip on snow, while a more aggressive tread pattern can help evacuate snow and slush, providing more traction. Generally, snow tires should have a minimum tread depth of 6/32 inches to deliver sufficient traction. Depth below this level can be hazardous, especially on deep snow or icy roads.
Tire Brand and Model
The brand and model of the snow tire that you choose are equally important. Some brands are more reputable and better suited for specific driving needs than others. Popular snow tire brands include Michelin, Bridgestone, Pirelli, and Goodyear, among others. Always research specific tire models to find out their strengths and weaknesses and find the best suited for your driving needs.
Cost
The cost of snow tires varies depending on the brand, type, and quality of the tire. Generally, snow tires are more expensive than all-season tires because they need to be engineered with advanced technology and materials to perform optimally in cold weather conditions. The average cost of a snow tire is between $80 and $200 per tire. You may find more affordable snow tire options, but they may not provide the same level of quality, reliability, and durability as premium models. Investing in quality snow tires can offer long-term savings in terms of preventing accidents or prolonging the life span of your tires or vehicle's suspension system.
Tire Certification Standards
When choosing snow tires, you should consider buying certified or tested tires that meet established standards. American Society for Testing Materials or ASTM sets various testing and certification standards for snow tires, including traction on ice and snow, temperatures, durability, and other performance criteria. Additionally, some tire manufacturers may test their tires to even more stringent standards to confirm that their tires perform up to expectations.
Installing Snow Tires
Installing snow tires involves removing the vehicle's all-season or summer tires and replacing them with the snow tires. You may choose to mount the snow tires on your vehicle's existing rims or purchase a new rim set for your tires. If you opt to use your existing rims, ensure that they are in good condition and can accommodate the size of the new snow tires. If you buy new rims, ensure that they are compatible with your tires and vehicle's specifications. After installing the snow tires, ensure that they are inflated to the recommended tire pressure level for optimal performance.
Snow Tires Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance and care of your snow tires can help extend their lifespan and optimal performance during their lifespan. Here are some tips to keep your snow tires in excellent condition:
- Check the tire pressure regularly - ensure that snow tires have the correct tire pressure levels, as outlined in the vehicle owner's manual.
- Rotate often - one of the most preventative maintenance measures for tire's to make sure they wear evenly on all four wheels.
- Check the tread depth regularly - ensure that the snow tire tread depth is always above the minimum level for optimal traction and grip.
- Store them properly – when the spring comes along consider properly storing these away to keep them in good shape.
The Bottom Line
Snow tires are an essential investment when driving on winter roads. With proper care, they can last up to six seasons while providing the best traction, grip, steering, and braking on snowy and icy roads. Before purchasing snow tires, consider the tire’s size, type, tread pattern, depth, brand, and certification standards. Look for tires with the appropriate features for your driving needs and ensure that they are installed correctly and adequately maintained. Following these tips will help you make an informed decision about snow tires and stay safe during winter driving.
